Genoptic Eye Drops (gentamicin)

Genoptic Eye Drops general information

What are Genoptic Eye Drops used for?

Genoptic Eye Drops are used to treat bacterial infections of the surface of the eye.  These include: conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva (outermost layer of the eye and the inside of the eyelid); blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelid; sty, which is infection of a hair follicle on the eyelid; meibomianitis or inflammation of the oil producing glands on the inner surface of the eyelid; dacryocystitis or inflammation and infection of the tear duct; keratitis or inflammation of the cornea (the clear area at the front of the eye over the lens and pupil) and corneal ulcers.  Genoptic eye drops help relieve symptoms of eye infection including sore eyes, redness, inflammation, discharge and crusting around the eyelid.

How does Genoptic Eye Drops work?

Genoptic Eye Drops contain the antibiotic gentamicin sulphate, a water soluble antibiotic of the aminoglycoside group.  Gentamicin sulphate in Genoptic Eye Drops has activity against a wide variety of susceptible bacteria, including staphylococci, some strains of Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Haemophilus.  Gentamicin sulphate in Genoptic Eye Drops works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis so that the bacteria cannot replicate and spread, but it does not kill the bacteria. 

What does Genoptic Eye Drops contain?

Genoptic Eye Drops contains the active ingredient gentamicin sulphate (3mg/mL, 0.3%) an antibiotic used to treat eye infections.  They also contain polyvinyl alcohol, disodium edetate, sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium chloride, benzalkonium chloride as a preservative and purified water.

Treating bacterial eye infections with Genoptic Eye Drops

Genoptic Eye Drops contain gentamicin sulphate, which is a topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the surface of the eye and is effective against a wide range of susceptible bacteria.  These include: conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva (outermost layer of the eye and the inside of the eyelid); blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelid; sty, which is infection of a hair follicle on the eyelid; meibomianitis or inflammation of the oil producing glands on the inner surface of the eyelid; dacryocystitis or inflammation and infection of the tear duct; keratitis or inflammation of the cornea (the clear area at the front of the eye over the lens and pupil) and corneal ulcers.  Gentamicin sulphate in Genoptic Eye Drops works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis so that the bacteria cannot replicate and spread but it does not kill the bacteria.  Genoptic eye drops help relieve symptoms of eye infection including sore eyes, redness, inflammation, discharge and crusting around the eyelid.

What are the side effects of Genoptic Eye Drops?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Genoptic Eye Drops include eye burning and stinging, itching, watery eyes (tearing).

When should Genoptic Eye Drops not be used?

You should not use Genoptic Eye Drops if you:

• are allergic to gentamicin sulphate or any ingredients in Genoptic Eye Drops
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor

How should Genoptic Eye Drops be used?

You should use your Genoptic Eye Drops by instilling 1-2 drops into the affected eye every 4 hours as required, using the dropper provided.  This may be increased to 2 drops every hour for severe infections.  You should follow the instructions provided with your Genoptic Eye Drops when applying the drops to your eye and wait at least 15 minutes after applying the drops before replacing contact lenses.  You should continue to use your Genoptic Eye Drops for as long as recommended by your doctor and for at least 48 hours after signs of infection have gone and your eye returns to normal. 

How long should you take Genoptic Eye Drops?

You should continue to use your Genoptic Eye Drops for as long as recommended by your doctor and for at least 48 hours after signs of infection have gone and your eye returns to normal

Missed dose of Genoptic Eye Drops

If you miss a dose of Genoptic Eye Drops take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Genoptic Eye Drops be stored?

You should store your Genoptic Eye Drops below 25°C in a cool dry place.